Sweet

 Hey gang!  I've been baking up a storm today and I have no idea why.  I just felt the need.  Nervous energy I think, because my man's been in Tennessee all week and is coming home tonight- SO EXCITED.  I do get really nervous when he's in the air, hence the baking, and baking, and baking.   I hope he wants to eat a couple dozen gluten free sugar cookies! (Icing recipe found here and cookie recipe found here)

 So...very randomly... have you guys been having trouble leaving comments?  I get people telling me that all the time and I don't know what's up with Blogger anymore... seems to be falling apart on us!  I heard that if I tweaked my comment box and made it a pop up window, that would help you guys.  So I did.  We'll see if it helps or not.

Also, have you ever read a book and wanted to just strangle the women in it, because you could clearly see what they should be thinking and doing differently?  Ugh.  I just read a book like that... drove me nuts.  And then as I was driving around today I started thinking that perhaps if someone was reading a book of my life, they might be feeling the same way about me.  Ha! Two years of struggling to be out of a funk... always on the unknown edge of life changing but never actually changing, fighting for control of an out-of-my-hands situation.  I drive my own self crazy.  Someone should write a book about me. (I'm kidding.  Please don't.  It wouldn't be a very good book anyway.)  The book was for my book club, ironically titled, "The Book Club."  (Book club girls if you're reading this, please ignore that I just said all that until book club, mkay?)

Have you ever wanted to make a cute, tiny pedestal?  You know... just on some off chance that you think exactly like I do?  I made this one using an egg cup and a small plate.  I first marked the center on the back of the plate.  Then I smeared superglue all over the rim of the egg cup, and stuck it onto the backside of the plate.  Done.  Cute huh?  (Tiny brownies in muffin cups with more of the same icing and gummy hearts.)

Also, Target was out of heart shaped marshmallows.  I almost cried.  I went there specifically to get them... and they were gone.  Nearly broke my heart. Don't laugh.  I take my marshmallows very seriously, and I've been trying to get those suckers for two years now, for my kids.

Okay lastly.. and I know this doesn't have anything to do with anything, (when does it ever?) but I'm working on a post with a bunch of your questions.  I get random questions all the time about things (Love that) and yeah... I'm kinda bad about answering them.  I'm working on getting MUCH better.  It's been a goal.  To be honest, I have a hard time imagining that you guys have many questions that I haven't already vomited all the answers to previously... but if you do, leave them in comments, and I'll do my best to answer them soon.

Fire away!

DIY Subway art for around $10

 Who's excited?  Cause I  know I am, and I don't want to be the only one at this party.  I found a fabulous tutorial a while back, and bookmarked it because I knew in the very core of who I was, that it was a craft project that might very well change my life forever.  (Does this ever happen to you?)  Customized subway art for under $10.00.  EEEKKK!  I've been a fan of subway art for a really long time which makes sense since I'm also a big fan of words, and inspiring quotes, etc.  I just love to have things that inspire me, all around the house.  Our family adopted a family verse/motto last year, and I knew there would be a time when I'd either paint it onto a canvas, or something... and then I realized... it would be perfect as subway art. 

Any questions you have, are most likely already answered on either her post, the posts she links within that post, or within the comments of her post.  I had about eight questions before I began, but they're all answered in her tutorial.  I followed her directions, and got my $2.99 blueprint copy ordered online, from Staples.  To create the jpeg file, I took her recommendation and edited a high resolution photo that I didn't want, in Picnik, blacked it out with a great big black rectangle so none of the actual photo showed, and then added text in white over the top of the black.  Beware, you only have til mid-April to do this if you're going to use Picnik.  (I know there are other ways to do this, but I didn't have time to mess with that, so I just used Picnik.  It's what I know.  And yes, you just heard me choke back a sob.  I'm going to miss you Picnik!) I'm mainly going to show you how to make the wood box for the print, since she shows you how do pretty much everything else in her tutorial. 

 I went to the hardware store (have I ever mentioned just how much I love the hardware store?  Mmm, the smell of lumber, early in the morning) and I asked the nice gentleman working in the lumber department to cut the end of my my thin board off so it would be the correct size. (24x36") I also grabbed a couple of these pine slats so I could make my "box."  Two of them were 24" and two of them were 36".  I had to trim two of them just slightly so they would fit inside the other two, forming my frame.  I used very thin nail brads to attach everything because I was afraid of splitting the wood. 

 I recommend nailing your frame together before nailing it to the slab of plywood. 

 Start with the corners, and then once those are secure, add a bunch of extra nail brads all around the edges so it becomes a sturdy wooden box.

 I forgot to mention that you might want to make sure and measure your subway art print before you have everything cut.  Oh and... um... measure twice, cut once.  You already knew that though, right?

 Paint the edges black so that it will blend in with the paper sign that you've by now, so painstakingly created and ordered.   


Cheri recommends Elmer's spray adhesive in her tutorial, and I'm one of those girls that goes with something if someone says it's good.  I'm very trusting when it comes to crafts.  This stuff is great, but make sure and use it outside.  I'm sure you knew that too.  I'm just sayin'.

I have no photographic documentation of the following process, because it gets sticky and messy from here on out, and I was just one little woman, with two hands, and two wild and crazy children trying to devour the contents of my refrigerator at this point.  (But don't worry, Cheri documented it very well on her tutorial.)  Basically here's what you want to do.  Spray the thing down with adhesive, especially the corners.  Then roll up your print, and slowly begin to attach the bottom edge of the wood "box" with the bottom edge of the print, carefully unrolling and pressing it onto the wood as you go. Savvy? Once dry, run a piece of fine sandpaper around all the edges.  It distresses beautifully.  Wipe off, hang up, and you're done! 

Are you as happy as I am about this?  Because people, I'm happy.  (Now, I just need to sell my house so I can hang it up.)




Materials used from Lowe's:
(1) 5.2mm 2x4' birch plywood slab cut down to 36" long
(2) 3/8 2x24" pine craft slats (cut ends off just a little (measure first) so they fit inside the 36" pine slats for your frame.)

(2) 3/8 2x36" pine craft slats
Materials used from Sherwin Williams: (I already had this on hand)
(1) color to go in Tricorn Black paint
Materials used from JoAnn or Michaels: (I also had this on hand)
(1) can of Elmer's spray adhesive
Materials used from Staples:
(1) Engineering Blueprint copy of my jpeg file

Express yourself in porcelain

I have a super busy week planned, so I thought I'd get a jump on posting.  I love it when I find an idea that I can easily copy replicate.  Not so long ago, I found a photo on Pinterest that showed a Pride and Prejudice quote, written onto a white mug. I was so excited, I immediately created a bunch of them for each of my book club girls as Christmas gifts.  Sadly, they didn't turn out very well and I'm not sure anyone was jumping up and down for joy about them. I knew there had to be a better way to make them.

Just a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon this tutorial, outlining everything I needed to know about personalizing plain, white mugs.

 Begin with plain, white mugs of your choice.  I purchased the very fine point pen she recommends here.  (I couldn't find it anywhere else.) I'm so glad I went ahead and got that pen, because it made all the difference!  I didn't use transfer paper like she did, because I wasn't tracing an image.

 I wrote free hand, directly onto the mug.  I had to wipe it off in two places before I was satisfied with how it looked.

 Once you have the lettering "just so," place your mugs right into a 300 degree oven, and "bake" for 30 minutes.  Once cool, they will be dishwasher safe.

 The quote I used from Pride and Prejudice, was broken up in to four parts on two mugs.  So it's kind of a matched set.  Like my man and I.  "In vain I have struggled.  It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed.  You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."  (Maybe we all need to have a collective sigh over that.) 

It's my humble opinion, that these are the perfect sweet surprise for yourself, or anyone who loves romance, on Valentine's day.

   If you can convince your man that they aren't too girly... you might be able to enjoy a steaming cup of something yummy with him. 

I wanted to write, "Mr. Darcy" on one and "Miss Bennet" on the other.  But I knew that would be crossing the girly line.  Ha!

I have another tutorial coming later this week, so stay tuned!  Have you seen any good tutorials on something fun lately?  I'd love to hear about it if you have!

Scenes from Cozy

 There is nothing better than chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven on a wintery day, is there?  I love the way they make the whole house smell.  We've been having our share of cozy days all week with the snow and school being out. 

I was bribed by some little faces, into making a few tiny cookies for a tea party.  Well, who can say no to that?

 I don't remember doing tea parties when I was little.  Did you guys?   I loved Barbie dolls and reading, plus we had a tree house, friends with horses, and forts up and down the local creek bank, so I was out-of-doors a lot!  Could be why I love being outside so much....  I do think the tea party is a very sweet thing...

So as we wind into the weekend, I've been thinking about a few fun DIY things I'll be tweaking and doing this upcoming week in my little world.  I am planning to make a really big subway art sign with our family bible verse, and I'll be following an amazing tutorial for it that I'll be sure to share with you guys later this next week... (It looks incredibly easy) I'm also going to be making some Valentine mugs, from another tutorial too.  (Even though my man said he wouldn't be drinking out of them because they're too girly.  Whatever..  No man is perfect, though mine is pretty close.)

This doesn't have much to do with tutorials, but I've recently tweaked a couple of things and wanted to share one of them with you.  I had a sweet flowy blouse that I've been wearing off and on since last Summer.  Only it was a pale tan color, and I was quickly becoming bored with it.  I bought a box of dye, and now it's a pinkish tone.  Quick and affordable fix- I think a box of Fuschia Rit dye cost me less than $2.00 at the grocery store!  I dyed it in a bucket.  Easy!

My brain is full of all the upcoming celebration planning that happen from Valentine's Day to the end of April in my world.  All of my peeps have birthdays in the little space of time, not to mention babies being born, Easter, Seder dinner, etc... and they are already talking about it all.  It's going to be a busy spring around here!  I'm sure I'll be wearing Pinterest out.   

The snow is melting away as I type, and rain is softly falling.  That's one of the perks of living in the Pacific NW.  It never lasts very long!  I've never been so happy to see pavement before in my entire life.  I was house-bound from Sunday to yesterday afternoon, as there was no school all week, and I'm not a very good snow driver.  (I drive a very tiny, light car, and I don't have much experience in snow, so I generally stay put unless I have to leave.)  I finally got out.  It felt so good! 

What are you guys up to all weekend? 

Currently...

 Currently loving... this stage of life with my children.  No diaper bag.  No car seats... just jump in the car and go stage. 
Currently reading... Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.  Always once a year, before Valentine's Day.  My own little tradition. Mr. Darcy.... sigh.
Currently waiting for... my house to sell.  (I'm sorry... I had to say it. I try not to say it... but there it always is.) I feel a little like that Dory fish on "Finding Nemo" singing, "Just keep waiting, waiting. wah-wah-wah-wah-waitttiiiinnnnnggggg." 
Currently excited about... getting my hair done.  I haven't done anything but dye it dark brown for years. Just wait til you see.... wait.... (why is this a common theme in my life right now?  I want some instant gratification NOW! Bwahahahaha.  But really, I do.)
Currently missing... routine.  This snow has shut schools and other things down and I'm ready for it to leave soon so I can get back into some sort of daily structure!
Currently trying... new gluten free recipes for my family.
Currently working at... going to bed earlier.  I want to get up earlier and LIKE it. 
Currently enjoying... Deep water running with Nurse Nicki.  And if this snow ever melts, we'll continue!
Currently snacking on... raw almonds.  Ehhhh... whatever.
Currently using... Burt's Bees "Red Dahlia" tinted lip balm.  My chapped lips love it and it's so soft, pretty, and natural looking with a hint of color. 
Currently wearing... my husband's hoody sweatshirt that hangs to my knees. (Don't tell him, but I steal it regularly.  I think he might suspect because he sniffs everything before putting it on- tell me your man does that too- and he often makes the face...you know, the "Eh... perfume!" face. Oops.)

 Currently planning...a girl's weekend away with my book club.  I'm in desperate need.  Desperate!! (And girls if you're reading this... we have got to settle on a date soon!)
Currently singing... "Only You, Lord Jesus, Only You."  (My hoodlums were singing it over breakfast and now it's in my head.  It's a worship song we sing at our church.)
Currently needing... new socks.  I kid you not, I have three pairs without holes and those ones are so threadbare, they're surely soon to go.  Why do I not just grab some?  What is so difficult about buying socks?  I just wrote it on my grocery list.  There. 
Currently learning... that sometimes you have to say nothing.
Currently listening to...a very clear message on extending forgiveness even when it's not been asked for.
Currently wishing... I could go on a mission trip to Haiti.
Currently doing... a painting of an old green truck.
Currently praying for...my dad's job, my man's scheduled business trips over the next couple months, my brother's soon-to-arrive baby, some relationship stuff, kid stuff, house stuff, and thanking God for all of it, the good and bad... Every single bit of it.
Currently dreaming of... a vacation to Hawaii.  But of course we would be stupid to do that when we're so up in the air financially right now, and hoping to move, so yeah, it probably won't happen.  Still... my man was counting up our air miles and surfing destinations on the internet the other day.  It certainly doesn't hurt to dream.  It's the only place besides Disneyland and to see Becky that I've ever been... want to bring my babies there someday too!

Okay it's your turn if you want... you can give me a run down of a few of your current statuses in comments just for fun. 

Somehow I always have something to talk about. Even when I don't.

 If you're looking for a really good, completely sugar-free dessert, I've got it right here and it came from one of my besties, Betsy.  Okay first, put a can of coconut milk into the fridge for a few hours to chill.  Once it's good and cold, pour it into your mixing bowl, and put it into the freezer for about 20 minutes. While that's in there, dump some fresh or frozen berries (like raspberries...mmmm) into some little bowls.  (Yes I adore these bowls and use them constantly.  Are you guys getting sick of seeing them?) Then put some raw almonds into a food processor and chop them until they are a fine crumble.  Sprinkle some over the fruit, and pop into a warm oven.  Heat until the fruit is warm and juicy. 

 Your coconut cream should be ready to whip.  Add a tsp or two of vanilla or almond extract, and whip until it's the consistency of whipped cream.  I wanted something chocolatey, so I added a TBSP or two (can't remember) of unsweetened cocoa powder.  (Remember this is supposed to be sugar free so don't expect it to taste like a brownie.  Cause it won't.  It will just give you something naturally good for you and slightly sweet for a treat.)  You wouldn't have to put in the cocoa.  If you don't it lacks the bite of unsweetened cocoa, but it's up to you.  I liked it both ways but I'm not a very picky person.  (I like mineral water too, which also has a bite.)  Put a generous dollop over your warm fruit and nut concoction and enjoy. (Refrigerate any leftover coconut cream- it'll stay the same consistency for a while, but if you need to, you can re-whip it just before serving it again.) 

 And now... just a few snowy day pictures.  I realized I hadn't posted any pictures of myself lately... what's up with that?  I want you guys to know who you're talking to, so I try and make sure to make regular appearances.  You know? It drives me crazy when I can't visualize who I'm reading.  I need to connect!  (giggle)

  I'm ready for this snow to leave now.  Everything shuts down when it snows here because it's usually got ice underneath from all of our natural moisture here in the Pacific NW, and can be dangerous.  But I've got places to go and things to do and people to see!  Ha!  Plus I have a really FUN and exciting hair apt coming up next week and this snow had better be gone or I'll just plain cry.  LMM needs her hair done!!

 Then again... I sure do enjoy being home with my babies. 

Need a little sunshine in your life?  Today, I dragged in this old barn wood in from my garage, and painted on it.  I originally planned to use this chippy old lumber for my family established signs, but it wasn't smooth enough so it's been sitting in the garage waiting... until today when I splashed some cheery golden paint between some stencils (why didn't I think of that before?) and hand-painted the top part.  I don't know if I'm going to keep or sell it, but thought I'd give you guys a chance at it first if you want it.

It's big, (over 3 feet long) so it's going to be a pretty hefty shipping fee, probably about $20, but I'm planning to price it at $75.00 (same price as my family est signs) if I list it.  (Unless nobody wants it, and if that's the case.... it'll look darling above my bed someday!)  If you want it, claim it at lemonademakinmama@comcast.net, first come, first serve. (SOLD)

Do you have snow where you're at too?  I hope you all have a sunshiney day today!

Public Svc. Announcements, Ma Ingalls, Maple snow ice cream, and LOL

 "Here on the Lemonade Makin' Mama blog, we do not promote, condone, or encourage public displays of wild drinking.  We (as in I) don't like whiskey, and the content of the following post is for laughs and giggles only, not intended to point anyone toward any irresponsible whiskey binges.  Please consult your physician should you feel the urge to imbibe for medicinal purposes.  Thank you."  

That said... 

I'd also like to say that I love, adore, and want to be Ma Ingalls.  And I'd like to make a heartfelt plea to the Laura Ingalls Historical society to please not sue me for slander because of this post... The following is so obviously preposterous as to be hysterical in it's fictional content.

There. I think I've covered myself, and hope to offend no one. 

So yeah... today I was planning on making some maple snow ice cream (photos shown throughout post, and recipe at bottom) with my hoodlums.  I mean, they're eating the stuff anyway, so why not add some flavorings?  It's what Ma Ingalls would have done.  (Who I love, by the way.) I originally got the idea from my friend Shawn when she posted a similar recipe on Facebook yesterday.  (Thanks Shawn!)  And then my BFF Alli, started texting me early this morning about "stuff" and it had me hanging over the bathroom sink laughing so hard, it took me twice as long to blow dry my hair.  And because I found it funny, I decided I should share it with you.  Please don't be offended.  Alli and I love Ma Ingalls and loathe whiskey.  Mkay?

 Alli: "Where did you find the arm and hammer laundry booster.  I can't find it." 
Me: "I think it's called washing pwdr or something...in the laundry aisle at Fred Meyer." 
Alli: "Thanks I'm obviously using your recipe.  I'm also making my own liquid hand soap and dishwasher soap.  So Lil House of me..." 
Me: "I'll just call you Ma Ingalls." 
Alli: "I love it :) but did Ma have a glass of wine after she did her chores?  I think I might have missed that part of the episode." 
Me: "Lol oh my word I love you.  I think...she had whiskey...you know "for medicinal purposes" and all...
Alli: "Yes for her pesky "cough"'
Me: "And maybe for the "migranes" from Laura and Mary's constant bickering..." 

 I mean really... can't you almost see sweet, gentle Ma sinking down into her rocker, reaching for her knitting and saying, "Well Charles... I finally got the girls to sleep.... I've got a raging back ache from all that butter churning.  Shall we have a little toddy before bedtime?" To which I'm sure Charles put down his fiddle, and reached into the cupboard for their nightcap.

 Which of course he didn't. 

 I'm just saying.  It would have been a funny twist to the story to see them do something so out of character.  But of course not very kid-appropriate.  

 Lastly... I have to tell you guys this.  Up until a couple of years ago, I thought that "LOL" meant, "Lots of love."  I really did.  So when I'd get text messages from my peeps and they'd say "LOL" I just thought they loved me a LOT and wanted to say it to me over and over again.  It made me feel so good....

 And Mama... just in case you're reading this... LOL means, "Laugh out loud" not "Lots of love."  I know this probably surprises you too....

Life is too serious.  Laugh.  (you know... out loud.)

Maple Snow Ice Cream 

2 cups milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup sugar

2 tbsp pure maple syrup

Whisk all ingredients together until well blended.  Then take it outside and add about 15 cups of fresh CLEAN snow, whisking until smooth and creamy.  Serve into cups immediately. (freeze any leftovers.)

P.S.  This is awesome according to three small hoodlums, my man, and four empty bowls.